REHOBOTH - Many cities and towns in Massachusetts are looking at regionalization as a way to save money and resources, but at a recent regionalization seminar, Rehoboth Selectmen Chairman Skip Vadnais and others were told that towns should not regionalize municipal services with an eye toward saving significant amounts of money.

The seminar, sponsored by the Seekonk Board of Selectmen and closed to the public, included officials from many area towns, including Seekonk, Swansea, Norton, Mansfield, Dighton and representatives from the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

"The point that they hammered home is you do not regionalize with the expectation of significant monetary gain; however, you can expect to gain efficiencies," Vadnais said.

The downside of regionalization, he said, is the loss of local control. Vadnais said it was recommended that instead of formal regionalization agreements, towns should create informal, mutual-aid agreements with neighboring towns where each party trades services.

Rehoboth, for example, has had a mutual-aid agreement with Seekonk for many years, he said. Both towns' building inspectors and animal control officers cover for each other during vacation and sick time, but no money changes hands.

Rehoboth is also assisting Seekonk with veterans' services while the town looks for a new agent.

"Mutual agreements are definitely a good idea. Any area where we can corroborate with another town at no cost is a good idea. And the result is a mutual benefit to both communities," Vadnais said.

Laura Calverley covers Rehoboth for The Sun Chronicle. She can be reached at lcalverley@aol.com.